WORCESTER, Mass. – The Holy Cross men's soccer team was edged by UMass Lowell after a busy first half in its opening home game of the 2019 season. Two River Hawk goals in the first 45 minutes proved to be too much for the Crusaders to overcome, despite holding a 13-4 shot advantage.

Lowell recorded the first goal of the game as Stanley Alves redirected a cross from just off the goal line on the far side of the net in the 15^th minute. In the 32^nd minute, the River Hawks struck again as Roko Prsa chipped a ball under the crossbar and into the net.

Holy Cross found some momentum two rookies combined for the Crusader goal in the 39^th minute. Bobby Manella sent a ball over the River Hawk defense to find a streaking Emmanuel Petrov for his first career goal. Manella also picked up his first point as a Crusader.

In the second half the Crusaders pressured with six shots. Holy Cross' best chance came as Max Krause fired off a shot that Lowell's keeper just barely got his finger tips on. 

Koolman on the game:

The first were a little bit nervous but we still caught them on a few chances. In the second half we played much better and settled down a bit to create more chances. There were a lot of positives, especially with having six freshmen on the field at one point. We will continue to improve. 

Notes & Numbers

• Bobby Manella and Emmanuel Petrov recorded their first collegiate points.
• Bobby Hurstak made one save.
• Holy Cross had four corners, to Lowell's six.

Up next

The Crusaders host Boston College on Sept. 10 at 7:05 p.m. at Linda Johnson Smith Stadium.